SMARTIES ACADEMY OF STA.

MARIA, BULACAN
HISTORICAL SKETCH

In December 1997, spouses Martin and Leah Bernadette Halili put up a very modest
tutorial center located at the 2nd floor of the Kaymart Pharmacy and Clinical Laboratory along J.P.
Rizal Street Sta. Maria, Bulacan. Knowing that this undertaking was a total departure from their
fields of profession and Ms. Halili banking on her beneficial teaching experiences in high school
and college , everything for them became a challenge.

Summer, 1998
In the summer of 1998, the couple decided to transfer the center to its present location at
their residential address in Sitio Macaiban, Poblacion , Sta. Maria, Bulacan. The summer tutorial
program of l998 was attended by 16 pupils with Ms. Halili and an assistant teacher as tutors.

School Year 1998 - 1999

An opportunity to put – up a preschool became very apparent , with the prophetic advice
and innovative ideas of their uncle, Mr. Ricardo J. Quiambao Jr., a noble decision was finally
made, thus, giving birth to the Little Smarties Learning Center. Construction of a two – classroom
building adjacent to their house started, hiring of qualified and dedicated personnel was advertised
and intensified marketing campaign was launched.

School Year 1999 – 2000

The school year 1999-2000 opened with a big surprise. The 67 preschoolers were
classified in three levels – Nursery, Kindergarten and Preparatory. Two additional full time
teachers and two teacher associates were hired. And to be registered member in the academic
community , the administrators applied for a government permit/ recognition to operate a
preschool and a grade school. It was granted by the then, Department of Education Culture and
Sports ( DECS ) in May, 1999, Permit No. E-046, S. 1999 and in July, 1999, Recognition No.E-
065,S. 1999.
In summer of 2000, optimistic that enrollment will increase, the proprietor decided to
acquire the adjacent lot and started to construct a school building with three ground level rooms as
classrooms. The structure provided with a basement room which was used as canteen for the
valued clientele.

School Year 2000 - 2001

When the school year 2000 – 2001 opened, the promotional efforts in previous years
continued to pay – off as population increased very remarkably: from 67 pupils in 2000 to 109
pupils in 2001 or a very encouraging 61%.

School Year 2001 - 2002

It was only during summer vacation that the school administrators are able to make
additions to and improvements on existing facilities; that, 3 more classrooms at the ground
level and 1 room at the basement were constructed. The room occupied by the canteen was
converted to Home Economics room. The canteen was relocated near the entrance gate of the
school . The stage was also improved that it became wider and bigger.

School Year 2002 - 2003

At the beginning of school year 2002 – 2003, the pupils were taught in 12 classrooms by 14
professional teachers and teacher associates. Students’ services were provided by 2 office
personnel.

School Year 2003 - 2004

The school, welcomed school year 2003 – 2004 with the following offerings: Academic
levels - Preschool (Nursery, Kinder, Prep); Grade School (Grades 1, 2, 3 and 4); 13 Fully air
conditioned classrooms; 15 Professional teachers and teacher associates; 10 Support staff including
security and maintenance personnel. All of the above were carefully planned and prepared to
provide services needed by 272 pupils.

School Year 2004 - 2005

2004 – 2005 marked a milestone in the school history. The administrators filed for a
change in school name: from Little Smarties Leaning Center to Smarties Academy of Sta.
Maria, Bulacan. This was in preparation for the school to offer complete Preschool and Grade
School levels, not to mention the plan to offer secondary education.

School Year 2005 - 2006

The school year 2005-2006 was another year of never ending quest of excellence.
Continuous improvement and development in all factors affecting quality education were made, in
place. Our school performance in the year’s Bulprisa Meet has added another feathered to our
already feathered cap. Smarties Academy - joined to the three level competitions: the Preparatory
level, Level I and II for grade school. Very triumphantly, the delegates brought home 8 golds, 18
silvers and 22 bronzes in academic, cultural and sports events. It was in this school year when the
school’s DepEd recognition in the elementary level was awarded with DepEd Recognition No. E –
035 s. 2005.

School Year 2006 - 2007

For the school year 2006-2007, the school offered First Year and Second Year High School
for the Secondary Level, a prelude to the school’s pledge of excellence service and commitment.
The year 2006-2007 is a year of triumph. Smarties Academy - championed pupils at the Bulprisa
Meet participated by almost 60 private schools. Very triumphantly lead District IV private schools
with 10 golds, 7 silvers and 11 bronzes in Academic, Cultural and Sports events. The school was
very ambitious in joining the Bulprisa competition for students in the secondary level.
Fortunately, with dedicated trainors and coaches, and highly spirited students, our First Year and
Second Year students /delegates bagged gold and silver in Cultural and Academic Events.
School Year 2007 - 2008
January 21, 2007, the Congregacion del Sto. Niño de Sta. Maria, a local religious
organization sponsored a Street Dancing Competition as as a highlight of the Sto. Niño Feast Day
Celebration. The competition was invitational to both public and private schools in Sta. Maria, 60
pupils from Grades 3 to 6 were taught and trained the skills needed in street dancing. And as
expected by many , the group brought home the trophy for the Champion.

The year 2008 marks the 10th year Foundation Anniversay of the Smarties Academy. We
etched another record to beat to the Bulprisa Meet District IV in October and in Provincial Meet in
November with 15 golds, 13 silvers and 17 bronzes - a manifestation of the TOTAL QUALITY
EDUCATION we develop in every student. We had a very memorable field trip at the Senate Hall
with Sen. Allan Peter Cayetano, and a very enjoyable afternoon at the Star City. Our very own
dance troupe, the Smarties Power Dancers won 3 rd Place at the Inter - Dance Competition held at
S.M. Marilao last November 10, 2007 participated by different dance groups of different schools in
Bulacan. January 20, 2008, for the second time, the Smarties’ Street Dancers marched and danced
in town, added color to the festive Sto. Niño Street Dancing Competition and was again declared
CHAMPION as participated by different private and public schools in Sta. Maria. In February , the
school celebrated its 10th Foundation Anniversary with theme, Smarties at 10… “Empowering
young minds to aspire to be the best in all things.” Different activities were lined up such as
Intrams of different ballgames, indoor and outdoor games; educational activities as Battle of the
Brains and boggling Quiz Bee. Fun filled activities such as Teachers’ Day, Obstacle Race and Fun
Day for the preschoolers and elementary graders. In the secondary level, different clubs were
organized as English Club, MATHSOC, Sci Club, SASIFIL and Sports Club which aimed to better
study, explore, master and excel in the different subject areas of interest, and shared the gained
knowledge to their club members and their brothers and sisters in school.

The School Year 2007-2008 was a total manifestation of the school’s commitment to the
holistic development and quality education which every Smarties is guaranteed.

School Year 2008 - 2009

We opened the School Year 2008-2009 with the election and induction of Smarties Student
Government 2008-2009 with the objective of leadership training for our senior students. We
maintained the balanced program of instructions and activities through the guidance and direction
of both parents and teachers, to develop students into a better person who is Maka-Diyos”,
“Makatao”, “Makabayan” and “Makakalikasan”.

School Year 2009 - 2010

School year 2009 – 2010 marks another milestone in the history as the Smarties Academy
Dancers together with the band participated with “SINGKABAN Festival” at the Malolos Sports
Complex.
Unfortunately, tragedy struck not only the school but other places with the onslaught of
typhoon “Ondoy”. But this crisis brought out the courageous value of true Smartiescians who
braved the murky, cold floodwaters in order to save people and property. These students became
instant heroes by helping save other people and the school’s equipment.
 Another outstanding achievement for the school was the Marbill Brodline Halili’s winning
the Grand Champion with the National Kiddie Star of Ever Gotesco Malls. This was followed by
winning the championship in the First Inter – School Bible Quiz Bee sponsored and given by the
Immaculate Conception Parish.

Smarties Academy of Sta. Maria Bulacan made up its name in history as the first-time ever
National Achievement Test was administered. The 2nd Year students’ batch 2008-2009 who took
the National Achievement Test got the 1st place all over Bulacan. The following year, the Smarties
Academy proved its abilities as the 2nd year students batch 2009-2010 who
took the NAT also did their best once again, as they got 2 nd all over Bulacan and 4th all over Region
III while the Grade 6 students, batch 2009-2010 also bagged the bacon as they got 1 st place all over
Bulacan and took 2nd place all over Region III.

A very remarkable school year ever because of the First Batch of Fourth Year high school
completed and graduated with Aira Cara L. Castillo and Marc Anthony P. Peralta leading the
batch. The high school recognition was awarded by the DepEd in July 27, 2010
( DepEd Recognition No. S – 040 s. 2010).

School Year 2010 – 2011

In School year 2010 – 2011, the quality of education has been proven by honors and
awards won in BULPRISA Meet both in district and provincial levels; and in different competition
that participated by and triumphantly won. In this year, the school published its first newsletter,
“THE TORCH” with the senior students as the editorial team. The Rotary Club of Sta. Maria
Bulacan sponsored the “Voice of the Youth Impromptu Speaking Competition and our senior
student, Allyza SJ. Tolentino bagged the gold place.

The school was initially recognized by the Insular Foundation as one of the Top 1000
schools all over the Philippines for it’s topping in the National Achievement Test as certified by
the NAT Results by the Department of Education.

School Year 2011 – 2012

School Year 2011 – 2012 highlights will always be remembered with astonishing
accomplishments of our delegates in the BULPRISA meet, now not only in the Academics and
Cultural divisions but also in Sports, in basketball, Chess, Volleyball and Table Tennis in which
our players bagged almost gold medals.

Our High School students joined the UP TIMPALAKAN Competition Tagisan ng Talino
in the persons of Roland Ellison Roldan, Tristan Ray Mateo and Divine Agnes Santos, bagged the
Champion Award together with Marienne Bealine Halili for Extemporaneous Speech in English
and Essay Writing, Jolina Batongbakal for Pagsulat ng Sanaysay and Raniel Nari Bautista for
Poster Making.

The results of the National Achievement Test of the high school and elementary students
made the school top the National Achievement Test again, and made the Insular Foundation
recognize SASMB for the 2nd year as one of the top 1000 schools all over the Philippines.
School Year 2012 – 2013
The records of SASMB for S.Y. 2012 – 2013 has shown the continuing effort of the school
in its commitment in the provision of the best quality education its students deserve.

The BULPRISA medal tally continued to level up in all aspects. The school has served as
threat with other competing schools. Our delegates for the table tennis has made it in the Central
Luzon Meet or CLRAA, and making them represent our Region in the Palarong Pambansa.

SASMB joined the Elementary and Secondary Press Conference for the first time and most
of the delegates brought home the bacon, a never expected number of winners for a first timer
school to join the competition. As always, honor and glory is given back to the Lord Almighty.

The CAT cadets, cadettes and officers waved the Smarties banner as they joined the
Interschool CAT Competition in quiz Bee, Drills and Cultural events.

Again, the results of the National Achievement Test of the high school and elementary
students made the school top the National Achievement Test for the third time, and made the
Insular Foundation recognize SASMB for the 3rd year as one of the TOP 1000 schools all over the
Philippines.

School Year 2013 – 2014

The year 2013 – 2014 marked the SASMB fulfillment of it’s vision, mission and
objectives.

In August 2013, the school was awarded by the Department of Education as NAT Achiever
because of our consistent toppings the National Achievement Test as certified by DepEd results, in
relation to this, another award was given by the Insular Foundation recognizing our school as one
of the TOP 1000 schools all over the Philippines for 4 consecutive years.

The first batch graduate Valedictorian, 2010 Aira Cara L. Castillo graduated Magna Cum
Laude at Bulacan State University, BS Psychology.

Marienne Bealine S. Halili made it in the District, Provincial, Regional and National
Championships in Voice of Asia Competition by the DepEd Impromptu Speaking in English
Competition.

The Official newsletter in Filipino was published with Jolina Batongbakal sa Editor-In-
Chief.

The NCAE results of our Fourth Year students reigned from 94% - 99+.

For the 2nd time, SASMB joined in the Elementary and Secondary Press Conference by the
DepEd, and the delegates won in the Regional Level.
Another highlight was the two-consecutive years that our school delegated some of our
High School students as exchange students in Seoul, South Korea as part of the Rotary Family
Visitation Program.
 With all these achievements, Smarties Academy of Sta. Maria, Bulacan has already proven
that we provide the best quality education the students deserve. Smarties Academy has proved that
it’s not the size of the school but it’s the productive and effective education that matters.

School Year 2014 – 2015

Throughout the 17 years of existence, the school has experienced an increasing trend in all
indications. The quality of education has been proven by honors and awards won in BULPRISA
Meet both in district and provincial levels; and in different competition that participated by and
triumphantly won.

School year 2014-2015 started with a crowning glory in Campus Journalism wherein most
Smartiescian delegates bagged the TOP 5 in District Meet. A motivation for all Smarties'
Journalists to continue their passion in writing.

The Rotary Family Visitation Program in Chung-Ju South Korea continued with Johnzen
Kim F. Baluyot, Ma. Samantha Nicole A. Briones and Angela Mayrll L. Canay as our delegates.
The Smarties Academy Interact Club was established in August 9, 2014 with Marienne Bealine S.
Halili as their Charter President and Mr. Marc Anthony P. Peralta as their Charter Adviser through
the presidency of Mr. Louie Enriquez of the Rotary Club of Santa Maria, Bulacan, District 3770.

Religious activities and community services were in consideration with the newly
organized Smarties Academy Diocesan Campus Ministry under the Diocese of Malolos with Ma.
Samantha Briones as the President. The officers also led the Smarties Academy delegates in the
Historical Pope Francis Papal Visit 2015 held at Quirino Grand Stand in Manila.

Ma. Samantha Nicole A. Briones Championed the English Oratorical Competition

sponsored by DepEd themed on Rizal Centennial Anniversary.

For four consecutive years of topping the National Achievement Test (NAT), as
administered by the DepEd. SASMB was again recognized by the Insular Foundation and leveled
up to TOP 500 schools all over the Philippines.

School Year 2015 – 2016

The school year 2015-2016 marked the historical debut of the school with the theme:
"SMARTIES @ 18: In the Pursuit of Excellence in Good Faith and Noble Service", which
coincidentally celebrated with the final introduction of K12 program of the Department of
Education.

The traditional history in the BULPRISA District and Provincial feats has recorded a blow.
Ashley Venice DC. San Diego hooked the Championship in Central Luzon Regional Athletic
Association Meet 2016 (CLRAA) Table Tennis events.

The school was chosen to be the venue of Leadership Development and English Camp of
Happy Friends Mission Center Inc. (from Jecheon, South Korea) headed by Pastor Joshua Seo and
Chondosanim Ae jin Jenny Kim.
 Smartiescians are known for graceful dancers, yes, in modern and hip-hop dances…. but
the invitation of the Santa Maria Town Fiesta Committee 2016 was given a chance to join a Folk
Dance Competition for the DepEd Night 2016 as joined by different public and private schools in
Sta. Maria and again, under the tutelage of Mr. Mhel Salvador, the group of SASMB High School
students emerged as 1st Runner-Up Winners.

Bible Quiz bee group in the persons of Rensil Julze C. Juan, Nerissa R. Pangan and Rhen
C. Reyes bagged the 2nd Place Winners sponsored by the Congregacion del Sto. Niño de Sta.
Maria.
The high spirited Smarties Journalists made it not only in the District Meet, but also in the
Provincial Levels, not only in the individual events but also in the Collaborative Writing and Radio
Broadcasting.

Very blessed to have the CHAMPIONSHIP of Nerissa R. Pangan of Grade 6 and Trishia
Joyce D. Aquino of Grade 5 in the Radio Broadcasting and Script Writing (English) in the
Regional Level held at Angeles City Pampanga and 2nd Place in the National Levels held at
Koronadal City, South Cotabato with Nerissa Pangan bringing SASMB to the Province of Bulacan
the Best in Technical Application. A very sweet and honored championship for the school…. as
added reward for all hardships and sacrifices. Emerging victories in the National Level was really
a blessing which we bring back the Glory to the LORD in the Highest!!!

Smarties @ 18….. and more years to come…. In the Pursuit of Excellence in Good Faith
and Noble Service… TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!

School Year 2016 – 2017

Continuous efforts in the pursuant of Quality Education has been the top mission of
SASMB.

The continuous success of the school in the BULPRISA Meet in Academics, Cultural and
Sports has been Smarties signature. Thanks God for continuous blessings.

The SASMB’s Campus Journalists in the Elementary and Secondary Levels mad a leap and
etched exemplary records. The SASMB TV broadcasting Team made it in the Regional School’s
Press Conference 2016 held in Balanga City Bataan last November 2016, with the team, Carla
Bianca Ignacio, Marbill Brodline Halili, Rochelle Ellinor Roldan, David Joshua Dimalanta,
Nerissa Pangan, Ma. Shanelle Nixie Briones and Yuan Cody dela Peña with Trishia Joyce Aquino
and Christian Dave Evangelista in the Individual Categories.

SASMB athletes kicked off in this school years’ inter school events. Rea Celestine Santos
of Grade 7 made it in the CLRAA Meet in swimming and Paulene Marquez of Grade 10 was
awarded her long-time hard hit black belt in the Teakwondo Events.

Bianca Ignacio and Allen Moris Morenos, the SASMB SGO Mayor and Vice Mayor
respectively were elected Mayor and Sangguniang Bayan Member in the prestigious Boy-Girl
Officials 2016.
 It is etched in the year’s history the first time that the school send delegates at Montessori
School Administrators Association (MSAA) in the 4th Annual Academics and Cultural Events held
at Tagaytay City in January, 2017 and surprisingly all Smartiescian delegates brought home
medals of recognition in the events where they joined and competed. An invitation that will lead to
repetition in the school years to come.

The highlight of the school year was a confirmation of faith, a reward for hardships and
assign of more blessings to come for the school as the FAPE – PEAC or Fund Assistance for
Private Education granted the Certification as “FAPE CERTIFIED SCHOOL”. This entitles all the
incoming grade 7 students scholarship grants starting S.Y. 2017 – 2018, A real blessing for all
Smartiescians.

School Year 2017 – 2018

The entry to its two decades in fulfilling its Mission and Objectives.

SASMB 20: Two Decades of Faithful Service and Excellence, with the schools’ legacy of
winning the most number of medals and awards amongst private schools in Sta. Maria, Bulacan.
We offer back to the Lord all the Praises and Glory.

The SASMB Campus Journalists was recognized as 5th Place Best Performing School in
EDDIS IV of Schools Press Conference 2018, a recognition awarded by the DepEd School
Division of Bulacan last September 8, 2017.

The SASMB TV Broadcasting Team represented Bulacan at Regional Schools Press

Conference 2017 held in Talavera, Nueva Ecijalast November 22-23, 2017 with the team: Marbill
Halili, Trishia Joyce Aquino, Reigne Magahis, David Joshua Dimalanta, Yuan dela Peña, Nerissa
Pangan, Nixie Briones and Christian Dave Evangelista.

SASMB athletes, recorded a sweep wins with: BADMINTON - Marcjoel Clarence Perez –
Batang Pinoy 2018 Finalist in Cebu City. Katrina Maborao, Ma. Aprilyn Ciara Perez and Ashley
Bernardino – finished in TOP 5 in the Central Luzon Regional Athletic Meet 2018.
TAEKWONDO - Rea Cherubim Santos, a rookie in taekwondo bagged GOLD MEDAL in the
2017 5th Daedo Taekwondo Championships held in Singapore last December. SWIMMING – Rea
Celestine Santos maintained her throne in swimming events in Central Luzon Regional Athletic
Meet 2018.

Nixie Briones and Marbill Halili, the SASMB SGO Mayor and Vice Mayor was elected
Sangguniang Bayan Members in the prestigious Boy-Girl Officials 2017.

The schoolyear commenced with the celebration of its 20th Foundation Anniversary with
different activities in academics, cultural and sports.
School Year 2018 – 2019

“Smarties @ 21- Building a Community of Love, Integrity and Honesty”.

The School Year opened with a mission, re- enforces the love of Mother Earth-asserting
trash segregation and recycling. It deepened as months passed by in incorporating Plastic Bottle
campaigns in different school activities and programs. Recycled plastic bottles are also used to
decorate and anchor plants in school premises.

The SASMB TV Broadcasting Team bagged all categories as champion in the Division
Press Conference held at Felizardo C. Lipana National High School in Guiguinto and made them
again represent Bulacan in Regional School Press Conference at Malolos, Bulacan last October 9-
10, 2018 with the team Marbill Halili, Trishia Aquino, David Joshua Dimalanta, Reigne Magahis,
Nerissa Pangan, Nicole Buenaventura, Vince Carpo and Christian Dave Evangelista and ranked 7 th
in the overall, recognized with Best Script, Best News Reporters and Best Infomercial.

The Bulprisa Meet 2018 has been marked with Smartiescians as gold, silver and bronze
medal poured and made them winners and move to the next level meet. The Division Meet, which
they never failed and brought home the bacon.

The athlete of the SY 2018- 2019 Kristoffer Mendez of Grade 7, a rookie Smartiescian
etched his records at Batang Pinoy 2019 Luzon Qualifying Leg at Ilagan City, Isabela last March
18-24, 2019.

Christian Dave Evangelista, our SASAMB SGO Mayor was elected Sangguniang Bayan
Representative and Vice Mayor of SASMB SGO MArbill Halili was elected Mayor of Boy- Girl
Official 2018 led the team in youth leadership in Sta. Maria Municipality.

David Joshua Dimalanta etched history in the SASMB – Interact Club as he was elected as
District Interact Representative, District 3770 sponsored by the Rotary Club District 3770,
Philippines.

The School year was spiced with different club activities sponsored by different club
officers and teacher- advisers.

The celebration of the 21st Foundation Anniversary with different activities including Field
Demo 2019 of different Festivals and Family Day 2019 completed the celebration.

As FAPE-PEAC Certified school, it will continue to grant scholarships to all FAPE

scholars and to the incoming grade 7 of S.Y. 2019-2020. Twenty one years and more to come!..
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!